Can the trust establishment process be accelerated?

The main factor for acceleration is the upfront preparation of complete documentation (identity documents, source of funds evidence, beneficiary information). When the file is complete from the outset, timelines can be reduced by 2 to 4 weeks. However, bank account opening remains an incompressible process that depends on the chosen bank.

What are the timelines for a change of trustee?

Transferring an existing trust to a new Swiss trustee typically takes 3 to 6 months. This includes the new trustee's due diligence on the entire file, negotiation of terms with the outgoing trustee, formal transfer of documentation and assets, and opening of new bank accounts if necessary.

Are timelines longer for complex structures?

Yes. Structures involving multiple jurisdictions, non-banking assets (real estate, company shareholdings, art), beneficiaries in high-risk jurisdictions or large amounts require enhanced due diligence, which extends timelines by an additional 4 to 8 weeks.

When should you start planning the establishment of a trust?

It is recommended to begin planning 4 to 6 months before the desired date of asset transfer. This allows time for preliminary analysis, optimal trust structuring, document preparation and bank account opening without urgency. For complex structures, a 6 to 9 month lead time is preferable.

Timeline — Establishing a Trust in Switzerland

Timeline overview

The full process of establishing a trust administered from Switzerland typically takes between 8 and 16 weeks for a standard structure. Complex structures (multi-jurisdictional, non-banking assets, large number of beneficiaries) may require 4 to 6 months. This timeline comprises four main phases, some of which may overlap.

Phase 1 — Preliminary analysis: 1 to 2 weeks

The initial phase comprises the first meeting with the client, the collection of basic information and the assessment of project feasibility. The trustee analyses the future settlor's financial, family and tax situation and identifies the objectives being pursued. At the end of this phase, the trustee provides a preliminary proposal describing the envisaged structure, recommended jurisdictions and a cost estimate.

This phase is generally the quickest, provided the client is available for meetings and provides basic information promptly. Client feedback on the preliminary proposal may extend this phase by a few days to a few weeks.

Phase 2 — Structuring and drafting: 2 to 4 weeks

Once the proposal has been approved, the legal structuring phase begins. The trustee coordinates the drafting of the trust deed with specialist lawyers in the jurisdiction of establishment. This phase includes:

Drafting of the first trust deed by offshore lawyers: 1 to 2 weeks
Review and comments by the trustee, client and their advisers: 1 to 2 weeks
Finalisation of the trust deed and letter of wishes: a few days
Preparation of the memorandum of structure: in parallel with the drafting

The number of iterations on the draft trust deed depends on the complexity of the structure and the number of parties involved. For standard structures, two to three rounds of review are generally sufficient.

Phase 3 — Due diligence and compliance: 2 to 4 weeks

Regulatory due diligence is conducted in parallel with the structuring phase where possible. The trustee collects and verifies identification documents for all parties, checks the source of funds and compiles the compliance file (KYC/AML).

The main factors influencing the duration of this phase are:

Client responsiveness: The speed of providing identification documents and source of funds evidence is the primary factor
Risk profile: Files presenting a higher risk profile (PEPs, sensitive jurisdictions, complex structures) require enhanced due diligence
Number of parties: Each beneficiary, protector or other party involved must be individually identified and verified
Source of funds: Documenting the source of funds may require research and the collection of supporting documents from third parties (banks, accountants, notaries)

Phase 4 — Bank account opening and asset transfer: 4 to 8 weeks

Opening a bank account in the name of the trust is often the longest phase of the process. The Swiss bank conducts its own due diligence (separate from the trustee's) and submits the file to its acceptance committee. Timelines vary significantly depending on the banking institution chosen:

Private banks: 4 to 6 weeks on average, with generally faster processes for existing clients or introduced relationships
Large universal banks: 6 to 8 weeks, with more structured compliance processes and formal acceptance committees
Specialist banks: Variable timelines depending on size and specialisation, but often more flexible for trust structures

Once the account is opened, asset transfer can be completed. For banking assets (cash, securities), the transfer takes a few days to a few weeks. For non-banking assets (real estate, company shareholdings, art), the transfer requires specific legal steps that may take several additional weeks.

Ongoing administration: continuous

Ongoing trust administration begins as soon as the first assets are transferred and continues on a continuous basis. The main recurring deadlines are:

Annual review: The trustee carries out a comprehensive review of the trust once a year (objectives, compliance, performance, structural adequacy)
Annual accounts: Prepared within 6 months of the financial year end
CRS/FATCA reporting: Annual declaration before 30 June for the preceding year
Protector meetings: Typically 1 to 2 times per year
Distributions: According to the terms of the trust and the trustee's decisions, at varying frequency

Establishment Timeline